Monsanto’s MON88017 and MON89034 and Pioneer’s 59122xNK603 have all received favourable scientific assessments from EFSA for import and processing and food and feed uses.

But in yesterday’s Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) member states failed to agree on approval, meaning that the matter now passes to the Council.

The lack of agreement comes as no surprise, as member states have wildly different views on genetically modified foods. For instance, France and Germany are on the sceptical side, whereas the UK has been more supportive.

The Council now has 90 days to reach a position. If it fails to do so, the proposals will be sent back to the Commission for final adoption.